Four sentenced after £70 drugs debt led to fatal stabbing in Leigh

In 2019, it has been reported that a man had run up a debt of £170 for cannabis, which was later reduced to £70.

After demanding payment by the drug dealers, the man is said to have agreed to pay the money he owed on Monday, March 18, 2019.

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The incident took place on Manchester Road in 2019 (Image: Google Maps)

However, on Sunday, March, 17, a gang of people who had identified his father's property, forced entry into his home on Manchester Road, Leigh, all wearing face coverings.

The gang "threatened the victim with a firearm", although this later proved to be imitation and a paintball gun.

The victim, who was in the property with his pregnant girlfriend, picked a knife from the kitchen counter to protect himself, fending off blows from the group.

He received numerous injuries to his nose and hands during the attack, and delivered the fatal stabbing to 39-year-old Deborah Twist, who had been among the group.

The man was arrested on suspicion of murder but was later released due to 'householder defence'.

Jordan Winstanley was handed a six and a half year sentence (Image: GMP)

Following a lengthy investigation by police, four people were sentenced at Bolton Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, December 22), in relation to the conspiracy.

Jordan Winstanley, 28, of Butler Street, Wigan, was imprisoned for six-and-a-half-years for aggravated burglary.

Robbie Arnold, 23, of Suffolk Grove, Wigan, received a total of five years for possessing an imitation firearm and production/supply of class A, and supply of class B drugs.

Bethany Twist, 22, of 10 Emerald Avenue, Wigan received a six-month sentence suspended for 18 months, together with 70 hours community service and 20 rehabilitation days.

Adam Guy, 25, of Turner Street, Leigh, received an eight-month sentence suspended for 18 months, with 120 hours community service, 15 rehabilitation days and was subject to a Drug Rehabilitation Order.

Robbie Arnold was jailed for five years (Image: GMP)

Detective Chief Inspector Wes Knights of the Major Incident Team said: “We are extremely pleased with today’s results, which reflect the severity of this attack.

“This has been a very lengthy and complex investigation owing to the circumstances, whereby, unusually someone has tragically lost their life during the commission of a crime which cannot be forgotten.

“We are grateful to the victim and his family for all the support they have given us during our investigation, in what can only be described as an extremely distressing time for them.

“I would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service for their assistance in this case which has presented many challenges – at the forefront, has been an ethical and transparent investigation interrogating all facets of this tragedy.

“The overriding message from these unfolding events being that any form of violent offending will always be pursued relentlessly by the Greater Manchester Police to prevent any further offending and protect the public.

“The evidence against these four individuals was overwhelming and I would like to thank my Major Incident Team for all of their hard work in securing these convictions.”